Culinary conditions: According to Hilmi, the requirement also applies to non-Muslim-owned premises frequented by Muslim customers. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The Kelantan government has designated seven categories of food and beverage (F&B) premises that must get Malaysian halal certification in order to secure a business licence in the state.
According to state local government, housing, health and environment committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah, this requirement also applies to non-Muslim-owned premises frequented by Muslim customers.
“The halal certification is enforced on hotel kitchens, airport premises, shopping malls, kopitiams, chain restaurants, fast food or franchise restaurants, cake and bread shops, as well as manufacturing factories, as a condition to obtain the permanent business licence.
“Halal certification is also required for non-Muslim-owned premises that serve Muslim customers,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said local authorities, including the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB-BRI), has the authority to issue licences under the Trade, Business and Industrial Licensing By-Law 1985.
“The Permanent Business Licence issued to these seven business categories will also receive approval from the state authorities.
“MPKB-BRI is also taking the initiative to issue temporary licences until all seven business categories obtain their respective Malaysian Halal Certification to allow them to operate as usual for one year,” he said.
Hilmi added that the issue of certification does not involve non-halal eateries such as those serving pork dishes because non-halal food can still be sold at premises specifically for non- Muslims.
“This issue is entirely unrelated to the implementation of the halal certificate,” he said in reference to a statement from Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, which Hilmi claimed was unfounded and had only caused confusion.
Hilmi said the Kelantan government is mindful of ensuring social harmony and religious freedom, while maintaining the principles of fair and inclusive Islamic governance.
“The state government always respects the rights of non-Muslim traders to conduct business according to their community’s beliefs and needs.
“The implementation of the halal certificate only applies to food premises seeking such recognition and does not affect non-Muslim businesses that do not apply for the certificate,” he added.
